Strangely Enough
Strangely Enough
Description
Neglected by society, a group of caravanning 60-somethings encounter a place where time stops. A baby swims in a witch's cauldron. A statue of Jesus grows fat off fish and chips. An ancient Egyptian God swims through the sewers under a suburban street and a desperate family harvests the fingers they find growing in their soil after their final food supplies wither.
Strangely Enough is a celebration of the far-reaching possibilities of short fiction from some of Australia's most creatively ambitious minds. Surreal and haunting, funny and gripping, these intensely strange tales encompass what it means to grieve, love, wonder, fear and change, each ultimately offering something entirely unexpected and strangely, deeply human.
'Strangely Enough is an unsettling yet moreish anthology. Many of these stories skilfully recognise that strangeness lives close to home, in the mundane in a row of slippers, in mushrooms, in broth, in our own fallible bodies that can be cut down by a whiff of pollen or a miniature man with a surfboard; some stories suggest that peace can be found in the most unlikely places, and that strange happenings present opportunities to find our authentic selves; while other stories are quick, potent darts shot out from the shadowy nooks of the authors' imaginations. I look forward to the next time I encounter the work of these talented writers - I look forward to the bewilderment, terror, and delight.' - Elizabeth Tan, author of Rubik and Smart Ovens for Lonely People
'Strangely Enough is a treasure box of the gloriously weird. A Christ statue grows fat on fast food, a band of miniature surfers seeks the perfect wave, a woman welcomes a cat into her home to bizarre consequences. This wonderful anthology, curated by the team behind the Australian Short Story Festival, is a must read for anyone who delights in the strange, the dark and the twisted.' - Wayne Marshall, author of Shirl
Contributors Include:
Leo Alder
Shaeden Berry
Liz Betts
Mikaela Castledine
Az Cosgrove
Dorothy-Jane Daniels
Jake Dean
Rebecca-Anne Do Rozario
Xandra Fowler
Deborah Frenkel
Victoria Griffin
Rowan Heath
Keren Heenan
Matthew Hooton
Katy Knighton
Marian Matta
Sam Mayne
Helena Pantsis
Raeden Richardson
Amber K Tilley
R T Wenzel
Publication made possible by the Australian Government through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand Fund.
Customers Also Viewed
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.